Two transit-oriented communities mapped out in Richmond Hill for Yonge North Subway Extension

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 20, 2021
Yoyo Yan

The Ontario government is proposing to build two vibrant communities at Bridge and High Tech stations -- along the Yonge North Subway Extension -- that would help create more housing, more jobs and space for recreation and leisure within walking distance of the TTC's extended Line 1.

"By working with our municipal and regional partners, our government is unlocking a once-in-a-generation opportunity to integrate critical subway and community planning along the Yonge North Subway Extension that will transform the area for decades to come," said Stan Cho, associate minister of transportation.

"We are moving beyond the 'park and ride' model and creating communities built around transit; this will bring jobs and housing closer to stations, lower commutes for workers, increase ridership and build critical infrastructure at a lower cost to taxpayers."

Consultations with the City of Richmond Hill, the City of Markham, the City of Vaughan and York Region are currently underway, with public consultations beginning later this fall.

The transit-oriented communities at Bridge and High Tech Stations, located within the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre, would include commercial, office and retail space to support approximately 14,000 new jobs in the region.

The proposed communities would be served by the future Yonge North Subway Extension, GO regional service, VIVA Rapid Transit and the encompassing major highways.

"I am pleased at the province's continued commitment to Bridge and High Tech subway stations and at plans to integrate the subway into the planned growth in Richmond Hill Centre," Richmond Hill Acting Mayor Joe DiPaola said in a statement.

"We have an exciting vision for Richmond Hill Centre and are committed to working with the province to advance the vision of the Richmond Hill Centre Secondary Plan as a world-leading urban community and employment hub that is a key destination in the GTA."